Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Revision Record
Date Revised Note Written by
Version
2001/03/13 1.00 The first draft is completed Zengshuhui, Sifazhong,
Zhaoqiyong
Table of Contents
Abstract: Frequency planning is one of the several most important factors which
influence the wireless network quality. This paper describes several common frequency
planning modes and part of the examples.
Key words: Frequency planning Network quality
1 Introduction
Developed till now, capacity of the cellular system is limited in a certain degree by the
frequency bandwidth. The frequency can meet the capacity requirements in a certain
area only when it is multiplexed. But the frequency multiplexing, especially the close
frequency multiplexing mode, will certainly make us face the problem of how to reduce
the interference of the same and neighboring frequencies. In the same area, if the
frequency multiplexing distance is longer, interference of the same and neighboring
frequencies will be less and the capacity will be smaller. If the frequency multiplexing
distance is closer, the capacity will be larger. But this will cause the increasing of the
interference from the same and neighboring frequencies. How to get the capacity and
voice quality balanced is a problem that must be solved in frequency planning. In other
words, a good frequency plan can increase the network capacity while maintaining good
voice quality.
2.1 GSM900
There are 124 frequency points totally, the sequence numbers (ARFCN)are 1~124.
Each end is left with a protection bandwidth of 200KHz. According to the stipulations of
our country, the mobile telephone occupies 890~909/935~954MHz, and the Unicom
occupies 909~915/954~960MHz. Relation of the frequency and the sequence number
(n)is as follows:
2.2 DCS1800
There are 374 frequency points totally. The sequence numbers(ARFCN)are from 512~
885. Relation of the frequency and the sequence number(n)is as follows:
Carrier to interference ratio of the same frequency: C/I>9dB; With 3dB allowance left
in the project, i.e., C/I>12dB;
Rejection ratio of the neighboring frequencies: C/A >-9dB;With 3dB allowance left
in the project, i.e., C/A>-6dB
As can be seen from the above Figure, in 4*3 mode,“4” indicate 4 stations,“3”
indicates each station has 3 cells,altogether 12 cells are frequency families. Different
cells in the same family have different frequencies. But cells of other families use a group
of frequencies from the 12 frequency families repeatedly.
related documents for the specific contents. Refer to Appendix 1 for the frequency
hopping.
Nearly all-different close multiplexing technologies use the hierarchical concept. Plan
BCCH and TCH in different layers. A different layer uses a different
frequency-multiplexing mode. Considering that BCCH must always send system
information for the test and contact of the mobile phone so as to make the mobile phone
decode correctly. At the same time, 12 frequency points must be allocated to BCCH at
least to enhance the correctness of mobile phone test report. In the actual allocation,
considering the irregularity of base station allocation and variation of azimuth angle of the
cell,more than 14 frequency points are generally allocated to BCCH. Its frequency
planning is generally done with 4*3 or looser frequency multiplexing mode. Frequency
planning of TCH uses 3*3, 2*3 and 1*3 modes etc. It should be pointed out that the
purpose of different carrier layer using different multiplexing degree is to avoid the
interference as far as possible. It is shown specifically as follows:
z In case of the unevenness of network station types, since not all cells will use TRX
in the last layer or the last several layers, so TRX in the last layer or the last several
layers can realize closer multiplexing degree(even if no frequency hopping).
z As each carrier layer tries to use different multiplexing mode, thus making frequency
points of any two cells in the network not completely the same. That is to say, cells
with complete the same frequency doesn’t exist.
z When multiple frequency multiplexing is implemented, although the interference is
increased, TRX is added in the cell at the same time, making more frequencies
taken part in frequency hopping, thus make the gain increased.
z If frequency points with less interference and greater interference exist in the same
cell, make them combined together when the frequency hopping technique is used.
The interfered frequency points can still be used normally according to the
characteristics of Viterbi decoder. For each burst, although the interference is
variable, the voice quality depends on the average value of the interference for a
special connection.
4 Frequency Planning
Suppose the max. station type is S4/4/4, and the sequence numbers of frequency
points are 512~561, 50 frequency points totally, we can divide the frequencies as four
layers of BCCH, TCH1, TCH2 and TCH3. In multiple frequency-multiplexing modes,
basic principles for determining the multiplexing degree of different carrier layers are
allocated to the frequency points layer by layer. Try to keep the multiplexing degrees in
different layers to be different and implement close multiplexing layer by layer. The
general principle is:BCCH>TCH1>TCH2>TCH3. To keep good voice quality, it is better
to control the average multiplexing degree in TCH layer between 7 ~ 8. It is
recommended to use 1*3 mode when it is lower than 7. In this example, 12
frequency points are allocated to BCCH layer, and 38 frequency points are allocated to
TCH layer.
BCCH(12)
:512 ~523;
TCH(38)
:524 ~561
BCCH(12)
:512, 514, 516,…,532, 534;
TCH(38)
:513, 515, 517, …, 531, 533, 535 ~561
As can be seen from the above planning:frequency planning between layers is of less
interference when using continuous planning mode. The interference between layers
occurs on the frequency separation point. But the interference from the same and
neighboring frequencies should be considered carefully when planning the frequency in
the same layer of different cells. When using discontinuous planning mode, it is easy to
plan frequencies in the same layer. But the influence of interference between layers is
great. So the coordination of between them should be considered carefully.
In case of less available frequencies, such as network of China Unicom, all available
frequencies can be used as BCCH frequency point for planning. This will certainly make
frequency planning in TCH layer more complicated. But frequency plan got in this way is
more reasonable, and the utilization ratio of the limited frequency points is higher. But
this kind of frequency plan is of poor adaptability, and it is unfavorable for capacity
expansion and frequency modification when optimizing the network. Under the well
configuration of base station, 29 frequency points of Unicom can realize S3/3/3 station
with 12/9/8 mode.
In 1*3 frequency multiplexing mode, it is of less influence on the interference when TCH
layer uses sequence and interval grouping modes. But, in the central city, influence of
the neighboring frequency of the opposite adjacent cell is slightly greater than
neighboring frequency of the parallel adjacent cell. It is just opposite in the border of the
city. The selection of grouping mode depends on the actual conditions.
1)The same frequency points are not allowed in the same base station.
2)It is better to make the frequency interval between BCCH and TCH in the same cell
higher than 400K.
3)When the frequency hopping is not used, it is better make the frequency interval
between TCH in the same cell higher than 400K.
4) In none 1*3 multiplexing mode, avoid the direct adjacent base station to have the
same frequency (Even if the main lobe direction of the antenna is different, it is also
difficult to predict the influence of the side lobe and back lobe because of the antenna
and the environment).
5)Considering the antenna height and the complexity of broadcasting environment, the
close opposite base stations with the same frequency should be avoided (Including
across from each other).
6)Generally, 1*3 multiplexing should guarantee the number of frequency hopping points
is over two times the number of frequency hopping carrier frequencies.
7) Pay special attention to the same frequency multiplexing. Avoid conditions that are
the same as BCCH and BSIC to occur in the adjacent area.
Note:Good network structure is the basis of a good frequency plan. See related
documents for specific contents of setting up the network.
5 Cases Analysis
Unicom network in a certain area, with concentrated base stations, flat terrain and max.
station type S3/3/2.
Divide BCCH and TCH in continuous hierarchical mode. Where, 96~109 frequency
points are allocated to BCCH, and 110~124 frequency points are allocated to TCH. It
should be avoided as far as possible in frequency planning that opposite cells have the
same and neighboring frequencies. But, many opposite cells with the same frequency
are in alternate station direction (Including across from each other) , as shown in the
following Figure:
With the use of hybrid allocation principle of full band BCCH and TCH, the opposite cells
with the same frequency are avoided in frequency planning. But there are many opposite
cells with neighboring frequency in the adjacent base station, the same frequency
generally occurs on back to back cell, as shown in the following Figure:
The declination angle of the antenna is adjusted a lot while using the frequency plan. At
the same time, PBGT handover algorithm is used, and the PBGT handover threshold is
adjusted to 70(equivalent to 6dB). As a result, there are fewer complaints in the city and
TCH disconnection ratio in the traffic statistic indexes decreases about 1%.
5.1.3 Conclusion
A good frequency plan is one of the important factors to keep the network operate
properly.
As mentioned previously, the network quality can also be obtained with close multi-layer
multiplexing mode (such as 12/9/8) and via careful planning.
TCH is grouped in sequence. 3 cells of the same base station use the same HSN.
Different stations use different HSN. All carrier frequencies on the same layer in the
network use the same MAIO. Suppose the frequency hopping groups are allocated as
follows:
Take 1 for HSN of station A, MAIO of two carrier frequencies TCH1 and TCH2 of each
cell are 0 and 2 respectively. Take 2 for HSN of station B, MAIO of two carrier
frequencies TCH1 and TCH2 of each cell are 0 and 2 respectively, and so on. Thus,
neighboring frequency is avoided among 3 different cells on the same station. Relative to
TCH interval grouping, adjacent cells opposite to different stations are of less the
possibility of collision. But, there is a possibility of collision of neighboring frequency
among cells of different parallel stations relative to TCH interval grouping.
TCH is grouped by interval. 3 cells of the same base station use the same HSN. Different
stations use different HSN. Carrier frequencies on the same layer use the same MAIO.
Suppose the frequency hopping groups are allocated as follows:
Take 1 for HSN of station A, MAIO of two carrier frequencies TCH1 and TCH2 of the cell
of group1 are 0 and 2 respectively, MAIO of two carrier frequencies TCH1 and TCH2 of
the cell of group 2 are 2 and 3 respectively and MAIO of two carrier frequencies TCH1
and TCH2 of the cell of group 3 are 4 and 0 respectively. Take 2 for HSN of station B and
so on etc. Thus, neighboring frequencies are avoided among 3 different cells on the
same station. Relative to TCH continuous grouping, adjacent cells opposite to different
stations have the possibility of collision of neighboring frequency. But, there is no
possibility of collision of neighboring frequencies between cells of different stations in
parallel relative to the TCH interval grouping.
How to group TCH will reduce the interference of 1*3 frequency hopping. It can be said
both continuous grouping mode and interval grouping mode have their own
disadvantages. But, in the city center where concentrated base stations are distributed
regularly, influence of neighboring frequency of the opposite adjacent cell is generally
greater than that of the neighboring frequency of the parallel adjacent cell. The sequence
grouping has obvious advantages. But, the use of interval grouping outside of the base
station concentrated area is more useful for homogenizing the influence caused by the
interference. Therefore, the local conditions should be taken into consideration when
selecting the grouping mode. It is recommended to use sequence-grouping mode when
the new channel allocation algorithm under close multiplexing mode is implemented.
Thus, service quality of the whole network can be guaranteed.
6 Conclusion
A good frequency plan is got on the basis of proper cell planning (including station
address, antenna direction, height, declination angle and transmitting power etc.). It can
1. Frequency Hopping
Frequency hopping refers to that the mobile phone and base station receive and send
information with a same frequency point. The frequency point sequence number is the
hopping sequence number. A hopping sequence number (HSN) is an arrangement for
determining all (N) frequency points only with HSN and mobile allocation index offset
(MAIO)through a certain algorithm in the given frequency points set containing the
number of N frequency points. The number of N channels on different time slots(TN)
can use the same HSN. Different channels in the same time slot of the same cell use
different mobile allocation index offset(MAIO)。
Frequency hopping mode is divided into the frame frequency hopping and time slot
frequency hopping from the time domain concept and is divided into radio frequency
hopping and base band frequency hopping from the implementation mode of carrier
frequency.
Frame frequency hopping:Each TDMA frame’s frequency point changes once. In this
mode, each carrier frequency can be considered as a channel. TCH in TRX carrier
frequency where BCCH is located can not take part in frequency hopping when frame
frequency hopping is used in a cell. Other different carrier frequencies should have
different MAIO. It is a special example for time slot frequency hopping.
Time slot frequency hopping:Each time slot frequency point of each TDMA frame
changes once. TCH in TRX where BCCH is located can take part in frequency hopping
when time slot frequency hopping is used. But, it is implemented only when base band
frequency hopping is used.
Radio frequency hopping:TX (Transmitting) and RX(Receiving) of TRX take part in the
frequency hopping. The number of frequency hopping frequency points in the cell can
exceed the number of TRX in the cell.
1. Several Parameters
MA:It is used in the set of wireless frequency sequence numbers of mobile station
frequency hopping. It is a sub-set of CA. M includes the number of N frequency
sequence numbers, 1 ≤ N ≤64.
MAIO: Mobile allocation index offset (0 ~N-1). During the communication, wireless
frequency sequence numbers used in the air interface is an element in the set MA. MAI
(Mobile allocation index,0 ~N-1) is used to specify a specific element in the set MA.
In other words, the frequency point used is specified by MAI. MAIO is an initial offset of
MAI. It is used to prevent multiple channels from holding the same carrier frequency
simultaneously.
HSN: Hopping sequence number (Generator) (0 ~ 63) ;It is cyclic frequency hopping
when HSN=0. And it is random frequency hopping when HSN≠0.
The related parameters can be set properly to make the system in optimum operating
state only when you know the actual functions and concept of frequency hopping of each
parameter in the frequency hopping algorithm. The following is the flow chart for
calculating the actual operating frequency of the carrier frequency in each frequency
hopping time slot. Where, MAI=(S+MAIO)MOD N RFCHN=MA(MAI);S is got via
calculating according to the frame numbers and hopping sequence numbers. MAI is the
number of carrier frequencies actually allocated via S plus hopping frequency offset.
MA MAIO FN HSN FN FN
(m0...mN-1) (0...N-1) T3 (0...50) (0...63) T1 (0...2047) T2 (0...25)
T1R = Represent
T1 MOD 64 in 7 bits
6 bits 7 bits
Exclusive OR
6 bits
Addition
7 bits
Look-up table
7 bits
Addition
8 bits
T =
T3 MOD 2^NBIN M' = M MOD 2^NBIN
NBIN bits
NBIN bits
RFCN
Range of values: 0~63. 0 indicates cyclic frequency hopping(0 is forbidden for some
equipment) ,other values indicate pseudo random frequency hopping. In principle, all
channels of all carrier frequencies of the base station which may have the same and
neighboring frequencies should use the same HSN so as to make different carrier
frequencies free from collision of the same and neighboring frequencies by setting MAIO
properly. As it can not be guaranteed that different base-stations use the consistent
frame numbers, HSN of different base-stations should be made different as far as
possible. Especially when the same frequency hopping group is used, possibility of
collision can be minimum only when HSN is different.
Range of values:0~7;The value must have the same color as that of the base station.
Range of values:0~64;All frequency points in the cell should be contained in it, and it
should be allocated continuously from the parameter “Valid Frequency Point 0”, no empty
data item should exist.
Range of values: no frequency hopping, base band frequency hopping and radio
frequency hopping. Select them according to the support of base station and the actual
requirements.